"Up In The Air" is a movie where George Clooney plays a "Firing" consultant. He works for a company who trains consultants to go into companies to do mass layoffs. They bring you into a conference room, present your "New Life" package and breaks the news.

What surprises me is the response of some of the employees. From kicking furniture to committing suicide, some employees did not take the news well.

So you get fired.

It's Just A JobYes, it was the job of your dreams and you met so many cool people there and let's not forget the money. It is still just a job.

which leads me to...

You are NOT your jobWhen you are hired at a company, they are paying you in exchange for your skills. You are like a mini-company that they are doing business with. When you leave, you take your skills with you. Hopefully, you have been keeping your skills updated :)

The Company Owes You NothingI know, you put in all of that time and all of that work. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the company owes you a check and that's it. Most employment these days are at-will. You can up and leave or they can up and fire you. That's it. I hear people complain about how many years they gave to a company. Again, they paid you for every single hour worked and even if they did, no one can promise you anything because there is no prediction of how a company will change or how the economy might be.

What now?

Find another job, even in this economy. Be flexible and really consider every angle when considering what to do. Can you market your skills? Do you need more education or training? Can you start a business?

Revisit goals and dreams that you swept under the rug

Enjoy a little off time...breathe it in

Address the real issues like living arrangements and finances....sell what needs to be sold, re-organize expenses...don't dwell...life has changed so you either manage it or it will manage you.